Is this the end for Manchester United?

Article by Lee Beevor

This may seem like a piece of typically incendiary journalism, but I firmly believe Manchester United are in trouble. The growing similarity between their predicament and that of the end of Liverpool’s dynasty in the 70s and 80s can no longer be ignored. With the level of competition in today’s Premier League, United’s position at the summit of the English game is already under threat. Should they fail to qualify for next season’s Champions League, the wait for their 21st domestic league title could be lengthy. Any United fans that believe this is merely a temporary blip are advised to stop reading immediately, as the shared traits between your team and Liverpool 1991 are about to be made apparent!

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After winning the league for the 18th time, all was well at Anfield, with legend Kenny Dalglish guiding the club to yet more glory, following two trophy laden decades. In 1991, with Liverpool still on course for a double, Dalglish resigned. Ronnie Moran took over as caretaker, with Graeme Souness landing the job towards the end of the season. He proved to be completely out of his depth, leading his rebuilt squad to sixth place, the first time outside the top two for 11 years. United has replaced arguably the best of all-time with David Moyes. The early signs are far from encouraging.
Manager out of his depth – check!

Back in the early nineties, squads were not as cosmopolitan as they are today. Nevertheless, Liverpool boasted the highest quality, with the home nations’ finest plying their trade at Anfield. With the retirement of Hansen and departures of Staunton, Beardsley, Houghton and Saunders, much of this was lost. John Barnes and Ian Rush become injury prone and with the inferior supporting cast, the team could not maintain results in their absence. It is acknowledged that Sir Alex failed to address the shortfalls in United’s midfield prior to his exit. Moyes attempted to sign half the midfielders in Europe, but on each increasingly humiliating occasion, his overtures were declined. Instead, he settled for Fellani, a steady player bought at a premium price. Comparing their playing personnel with that of City, Chelsea or even Tottenham, suggests there are tough times ahead.
Declining squad quality – check!

The next issue is perhaps the strongest indicator and one that takes the longest to repair. The mental side of football is an intangible factor, but its importance cannot be dismissed lightly. When Liverpool were at their peak, there was an inevitability about many of their wins, particularly at home. The confidence and swagger of a championship winning team, with its will to win and self-belief, creates a mental strength that intimidates opponents. Their home stadium becomes an impregnable fortress, with every point dropped warranting a back page headline. At present, United have none of this aura and visitors to Old Trafford, like Newcastle and Everton in recent weeks, are fancying their chances.
Loss of Fear Factor – check!

Only time will tell if this is a blip or the start of a fully fledged decline. If Moyes buys badly again in January, this could seal what already seems like a certain fifth (or worse!) place finish. This may trigger a rush of transfer requests, as Van Nistelroy and Rooney are unlikely to tolerate Europa League football. In turn, referees may withdraw the “big club” privileges to which they have become accustomed, such as soft penalties and excessive bonus minutes. Is this nonsense or an impending reality? For any Manchester United supporters still to be convinced – speak to a Liverpool fan!

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